عنوان

Three Functions of Hell in the Hindu Traditions

Number

LA122646

.Language of Text, Soundtrack etc

انگلیسی

Title Proper

Three Functions of Hell in the Hindu Traditions

General Material Designation

[Article]

First Statement of Responsibility

Knut Jacobsen

Place of Publication, Distribution, etc.

Leiden

Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.

Brill

Text of Note

In this article are analysed three functions of hell in the Hindu traditions, a narrative, a social and an economic. Because of the strong images the narratives of hell contain, they are excellent means to catch the attention of the audience. The social function of hell is to protect the social order, the security of the people and especially to protect the privileges of those on top of the hierarchy. Since gifts to the priests are matched with specific punishments in hell that they release from, one economic function of hell seems to be as a source of income for the priests. However, it is argued that even though hell is both a textual and ritual reality in the Hindu traditions, its significance should not be exaggerated. Death is not the end of life, but the end of one rebirth, and release, moksa , is not about escaping a destiny in hell, but to gain freedom from the rebirth realms.

Date of Publication

2009

Physical description

385-400

Title

Numen

Volume Number

56/2-3

International Standard Serial Number

1568-5276

Subject Term

Comparative Religion & Religious Studies

Subject Term

General

Subject Term

HELL

Subject Term

HINDUISM

Subject Term

History of Religion

Subject Term

MAHĀBHĀRATA

Subject Term

MANUSMRTI

Subject Term

PURĀNAS

Subject Term

Religion & Society

Subject Term

Religion in Antiquity

Subject Term

Religious Studies

Subject Term

Social Sciences

Knut Jacobsen

Call Number

10.1163/156852709X405071

Electronic name

p

[Article]

275578

a

Y